WWF Statement on Senator Kerry’s Speech at Copenhagen Summit

COPENHAGEN, December 16, 2009 – World Wildlife Fund today issued the following statement today from WWF President and CEO Carter Roberts in response to Senator John F. Kerry’s (D-Mass.) speech before the UN Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen:

“Senator Kerry delivered exactly the message we need to be hearing from world leaders at this critical stage of the Copenhagen talks. He implored the parties to muster the political will to finalize text and seal a deal this week. As the Senator aptly noted, the clock is ticking and negotiators have less than three days to come to agreement on many key fronts, particularly long-term finance.

“Funding to help developing nations reduce emissions and cope with climate impacts should be viewed not as foreign aid, but as a national security investment. Rising sea levels, droughts, disease and famine would force millions into the role of climate refugees, which would undermine global peace and security.

“A 2020 finance target is vital to reaching an agreement here in Copenhagen. Leaders should also identify the mechanisms to generate this financing to provide confidence that such a target can be reached. We were encouraged to hear that Senator Kerry recognizes these realities and is showing the world a path forward.

“We are also pleased to hear Senator Kerry reinforce the message of urgency. With our climate already beginning to change in dangerous ways, we simply don’t have time to keep punting our response. As the Senator noted, we need a new treaty finalized by June or July. And for that to happen, the Senate must complete work on climate legislation by early spring.

“As President Obama and other world leaders arrive here in Copenhagen, we will be listening for them to provide similarly clear leadership and to express the same sense of urgency. It is time to cut through the noise and finalize an agreement.”